Palaces and Paradise: A Honeymoon Tour of India

This dazzling 17-day Indian honeymoon takes in the sights of
romantic Rajasthan and Delhi, along with time in Agra and Kerala
for good measure. Explore mind-blowing palaces, get up close with
majestic elephants, watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal and kick
back on picture-perfect beaches.

Itinerary at a Glance:

Encounter majestic elephants at a romantic private camp

Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal

Explore the wonders of Jaipur, the Pink City

Learn from the experts in a Rajasthani cooking lesson

Relax on unspoilt Keralan beaches

Why Book with Original Travel?

Just a few of the extra touches that come as standard on an Original Travel holiday...

All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you

When your flight lands in Delhi,
you'll be met by one of the team who will help transfer you to your
internal flight to Udaipur.

After an hour-and-a-quarter flight, you'll arrive in Udaipur,
where you'll be met by another member of the team and transferred
to your hotel. Once you've checked in, the rest of the day is yours
to relax in this, arguably the most romantic of all Indian
cities.

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Day 2: Exploring Udaipur

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the beautiful city of
Udaipur.

Start at City Palace, a sprawling, majestic palace sat on the
banks of Lake Pichola. Built across three centuries, it's a
glorious mish-mash of architectural styles, with a suitably lavish
interior. The fantastic collection of priceless Rajput miniature
paintings is a particular highlight, and you'll find yourself
wondering how on earth they managed to paint something quite so
tiny.

Next up is Crystal Gallery, Maharana Sajjan Singh's extravagant
crystal collection, including everything from perfume bottles to
furniture, then on to Saheliyon Ki Bari - the 'Garden of Maids of
Honour' - for relaxing. Wander among lush gardens, elegant lotus
pools, fountains and heavenly bougainvillea, followed by a spot of
sightseeing at the Jagdish Temple, still in use today.

In the afternoon you'll be welcomed into the home of some
locals, both descended from royal lineage no less, to sample some
authentic Udaipur hospitality. Get a taste of day to day life, with
a walk around the local market, where your hosts will share their
knowledge on the dazzling array of spices on offer. Head back to
their kitchen for a Rajasthani cooking lesson like no other, before
dining together.

As the sun sets, you'll be treated to a boat ride on Lake
Pichola. As you cruise around the lake, you can take in the views
of the magnificent mountains and the city's beautiful facade, while
soaking up the quiet calm. The perfect end to a packed day.

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Day 3: More Udaipur

After a hearty breakfast, head out with your guide for a trek to
Rathasan Temple.

One of the locals' best kept secrets, Rathasan Mata Temple (as
it's known to Udaipur residents), is situated on the top of a hill,
but the climb is most definitely worth the effort - fear not, there
are stairs all the way to the top to make it a little easier. All
the effort is well worth it, when you reach the top and are
rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. With
a view of Devigarh Palace on one side, you'll sit down to a
delicious picnic lunch, prepared by the talented hotel chef.

After lunch, it's back to the hotel where you have the afternoon
to relax or to visit Nagda and the beautiful remains of the 10th
century Sas Bahu Temples. Despite being in partial ruins, the
beauty and elaborate carvings are clear to see.

Once you're back at the hotel, there's time to freshen up before
dinner. Our Concierge can suggest and book a restaurant.

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Day 4: To Shahpura

Today, enjoy your last breakfast in Udaipur before checking out.
It's time to hit the road as you head to Shahpura - the drive takes
about four hours, so there's plenty of time to relax and take in
the sights as you go.

Once you've arrived at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon and
evening is yours to relax. Your hotel for the next two nights is
something rather special. Once the summer residence of the
Rajadhirai of Shahpura, it's now been beautifully restored to
embrace a mix of antique and modern style. Here, you'll be treated
as family by the wonderful hosts and dedicated staff, who've been
serving them for generations.

Soak up the old-world charm, indulge in the outstanding cuisine
(the kitchens are overseen by a number of family aunties, so only
the very best will do) and prepare to be regaled with tales of old
tiger hunts by the resident Rajadhirai and his sisters.

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Day 5: Back to Nature in Shahpura

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you'll be taken on an
exclusive, private bird watching tour by your expert guide.

Back at your hotel, enjoy another fantastic home cooked lunch
before relaxing for the afternoon - or seeking out some more
flamboyant tales from the Rajadhirai.

In the evening, you'll visit the iconic Ramdwara Temple, then on
to Dikhola fort in time for sun set. With stunning views across the
countryside and lakes, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some sun
downers as you watch village life wind down from your hilltop
perch.

Day 6: To Jaipur

It's back on the road as you move on to Jaipur, a drive of
around three-and-a-half-hours.

Once you arrive at your hotel, check in and take your time to
freshen up. With the rest of the day yours to do as you wish, you
can start to explore the city at your leisure.

A mesmerising labyrinth of bustling bazaars and opulent palaces,
Jaipur is a real change from laid-back Shahpura. As the largest and
capital city of the state of
Rajasthan, there is an unmistakable buzz to Jaipur.

Every building within the walled historic centre is painted a
distinctive terracotta - something so significant to the heritage
of Jaipur that it's actually enforced under the local law - which
gives off a magical pink glow. No wonder Jaipur is known as the
Pink City.

Our Concierge can help point you in the right direction and make
dinner reservations, if you're looking for a top-notch local
restaurant to while away the evening.

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Day 7: Sightseeing in Jaipur

It's an early start this morning, as your guide takes you to
visit the wholesale flower market. Here, you will witness hundreds
of locals buying and selling flowers of all kinds.

It's a real taste of bustling Jaipur life. Then it's back to the
hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. The rest of the day is packed
with some incredible sightseeing. First your guide will take you to
visit Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, in the City Palace. The
Palace itself is a grand blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural
styles, all in the distinctive Jaipur pink. After exploring the
palace complex, you'll be treated to a tour of the costumes from
the royal collection in the textile gallery, along with a welcome
cup of Indian tea.

Next stop is the extraordinary Jantar Mantar, an impressive
astronomical observatory built by a Rajput king in the 18th
century. Although a lot of the equipment looks a bit bonkers, the
instruments are actually very sophisticated and accurate even
today. Raja Sawai Jai Singh II most certainly knew his stuff.

Take lunch at your leisure - your guide will be able to share
their inside knowledge and suggest a great lunch spot - then take a
walk in the markets of Jaipur. Lose yourself in the magical bazaars
around the Badi Chaupad and Johari Bazaar areas, where you'll be
lucky enough to see craftspeople at work on everything from Zardozi
embroidery to precious stonework.

In the afternoon, there's the opportunity to visit Kripal Kumbh
pottery studio to buy some authentic blue pottery - the perfect
honeymoon souvenir - then the rest of the day is yours.

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Day 8: Meeting the Elephants

With nothing planned until the afternoon, there's plenty of time
to enjoy a relaxing morning and leisurely breakfast.

In the afternoon your guide will take you to Amber Fort, a
magnificent palace complex that rises proudly from the contoured
hillside. There's plenty to explore and a fascinating history,
stretching back to the 12th century, to discover.

Afterwards, take a walk down through the lanes of Amer Town,
before trying your hand at some traditional Jaipur block painting
at Anokhi Museum. Once you've flexed your artistic muscles it's
time for a little more history with a trip to see the 16th century
Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell. Once a place for locals to collect
water, swim or just have a good gossip, it's now celebrated for its
remakable architecture.

As the evening approaches, you'll visit the private estate of
Dera Amer, where a local family has created a stunning sanctuary
for elephants. Here you'll get to help as the elephants are given
their evening bath and try your hand at painting these mighty
creatures in the traditional Jaipuri style. Join the elephants for
their evening walk, passing though forest and past temples, before
arriving at a secluded venue for drinks around the fire, followed
by a private dinner. An unforgettable evening.

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Day 9: To Agra

After breakfast, your Indian tour continues as you're driven
five-and-a-half-hours to your next destination -Agra.

The journey is broken up with a stop en route to see the UNESCO
World Heritage-protected Fatephur Sikri - the deserted but
perfectly preserved 16th century red sandstone city that served as
the capital of the Mughal Empire for a mere 10 years before the
local water source dried up.

Then it's back in the car to continue your journey to Agra. Once
you arrive at your hotel, you can relax and lie by the pool for a
bit.

We have then arranged for a short visit to the beautiful Mehtab
Bagh - Moonlight Garden - for an uncrowded view of sunset over the
Taj Mahal, from across the river. A memorable first glimpse of
this iconic building.

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Day 10: The Taj Mahal, and Delhi

Best seen at dawn, it's up early this morning to visit the Taj
Mahal in time for 'the golden hour'. As the sun rises and the light
plays on the marble of the building and the reflection in the still
waters, you'll be thankful you set that alarm.

Early risers are treated to the beauty and splendour of this
iconic place before the crowds arrive. Soak up the sights and
reflect on the heart-breaking, romantic story behind the Taj Mahal,
truly one of the wonders of the world.

Return to the hotel for a much-needed breakfast and rest. Later
you can explore Agra Fort, a triumph in red sandstone and marble,
and one of the finest Mughal forts in the whole country. Don't miss
the magical view of the Taj Mahal across the River Yamuna, from
Shah Jahan's private quarters.

There's just enough time to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah,
often referred to locally as The Baby Taj, before you begin the
journey to Delhi, approximately and three-and-a-half-hour drive.
Once you arrive and check in at your hotel, it's time to relax.

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Day 11: Discovering Delhi

This morning, you will be picked up by your guide and taken on a
whirlwind sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.

Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is the place to see
Indian city life up close. Take a rickshaw ride through the maze of
narrow lanes which twist and turn between the tall, leaning
buildings. Dive into the hustle and bustle of the bazaars, where
you'll get the full sights, sounds and aromas of real India. It's
fast-paced, colourful and thoroughly addictive. Here, you'll also
have the chance to visit the famous Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque
and Chandni Chowk bazaar.

After a break for lunch you'll visit New Delhi, where you'll
start your sightseeing with a visit to Qutub Minar, a 13th century
UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the first Muslim rulers of
India as a victory tower. Standing at over 240ft tall, it's quite a
sight to behold. This is followed by a visit to Humayun's Tomb, yet
another UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be the
architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Your guide and driver will take you for a drive through the
government buildings area, with a glimpse at the grand Parliament
Building, before visiting the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

After a busy day exploring, make your way back to your hotel to
freshen up before dinner. Our Concierge can suggest a great
restaurant and make reservations for you.

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Day 12: On the Move

After breakfast you will be escorted to the airport by one of
our guides, to board your flight to Mangalore, which should take
around one-and-a-half-hours.

Once you land, you'll be greeted be one of our drivers to
continue your journey by road To board a charming houseboat
decorated in old Keralan style but with everything you'd expect
from a modern hotel.

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Day 13: Welcome to Paradise

Enjoy an al fresco breakfast on the deck of the houseboat,
before our driver transfers you to your next hotel.

Nestled in a secluded palm grove beside the Arabian Sea, this
luxurious resort is the perfect place to switch off and unwind
after a busy few days of sightseeing and travelling. From the
signature coconut drink that greets you on arrival, right down to
the unspoilt, sandy beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze,
Northern Kerala
offers a chilled-out, tropical experience.

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Day 14-16: On the Beach

Spend two days enjoying the Keralan coast and all it has to
offer. Relax by the infinity pool with a good book, indulge in an
ayurvedic massage at the on-site spa, try a spot of morning yoga,
explore the local area on bicycles, brush up your skills with a
cooking lesson with one of the hotel's expert chefs or venture
further afield - it's really up to you.

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Day 17: Home Time

It's time to say goodbye to Kerala and your Indian
adventure.

After a morning relaxing and enjoying breakfast in the sun, one
of our drivers will take you to Mangalore airport, approximately a
three-and-a-half-hour drive, to board your flight to Mumbai, which
will take just under two hours. At Mumbai airport you'll be met by
one of our guides, who will help you board your international
flight home.

All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you

This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do

A Rough Idea of Price

While all of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like time of year and level of accommodation, we want to give you as good an idea of how much this itinerary will cost. All of the costs on our sample itineraries exclude international flights, however, ask us if you would like us to arrange your flights at our preferred rates.

This Itinerary

If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels. Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights.

From

$8,715pp

Bare Necessities

If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.

From

$7,845pp

Bells & Whistles

If you are looking for something extra special and would like to stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.

From

$10,460pp

At Your Service

We rarely boast about our service but we believe it's what sets us apart and makes us truly original, so please forgive this moment of unabashed self-promotion.